Buda Castle Buda Castle, Budapest
If you are visiting Hungary during the peak of Christmas days to visit the Budapest Christmas markets and to see the amazing sights in the Buda Castle District, such as the historical Matthias Church by the Fisherman’s Bastion. Matthias Church in the Buda Castle is a spiritual and historical treasure that offers a unique Christmas experience. Whether you seek sacred reflection or holiday cheer, its majestic setting creates unforgettable holiday memories.
Please kindly re-check the opening hours before your date 1 day before your arrival, as Matthias Church may be closed for Holy Masses and other liturgical events (including weddings etc.) The below information is subject to change, accordingly.
Christmas Schedule at Matthias Church
Please note: Matthias Church is closed to tourists on December 24 and Dec 25. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the church is only open for worshippers attending the scheduled masses (in Hungarian). Tourism resumes on December 26.
| Date (not confirmed yet) | Mass & Event Schedule | Visitor Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December 23, 2026 | 09:00 – 14:00 Visitors Welcome 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 09:00 – 14:00 |
| December 24, 2026 | 06:00 Rorate Mass (HU): a Catholic Advent tradition that honours the Virgin Mary and is celebrated in the early morning with candlelight. | Closed to Tourists |
| December 25, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 08:30 Family Mass (HU) 10:00 Holy Mass (HU) 12:00 Organ Mass (HU) 17:30 Litany (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | Closed to Tourists |
| December 26, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 08:30 Family Mass (HU) 10:00 Holy Mass (HU) 12:00 Organ Mass (HU) 17:30 Litany (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 13:00 – 16:30 |
| December 27, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) 19:00 Concert in Matthias Church: String Orchestra | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| December 28, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 17:30 Litany (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| December 29, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 08:30 Family Mass (HU) 10:00 Holy Mass (HU) 12:00 Organ Mass (HU) 17:30 Litany (HU) 18:00 Guitar Mass (HU) | 13:15 – 17:00 |
| December 30, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) 19:00 Concert in Matthias Church: String Orchestra | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| December 31, 2026 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| January 1, 2027 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 13:00 – 17:00 |
| January 2, 2027 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 17:30 Rosary (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) 19:00 Concert in Matthias Church: String Orchestra | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| January 3, 2027 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| January 4, 2027 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 17:00 Fatima Prayers (HU) 18:00 Organ Mass (HU) | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| January 5, 2027 | 07:00 Silent Holy Mass (HU) 08:30 Family Mass (HU) 10:00 Holy Mass (HU) 12:00 Organ Mass (HU) 17:30 Litany (HU) 18:00 Guitar Mass (HU) | 13:15 – 17:00 |
Kindly note that the above hours are subject to change. The church operates as a sacred space, and liturgical events take precedence over tourist visits. Opening hours and access may change without prior notice. Announcements will be made at the entrance and ticketing area. Tickets are non-refundable. The tickets for the church can be used freely in the given calendar year, not only on the selected day. Tickets for the tower are valid only for the selected date and time.
Notice to International Visitors:
Please be aware that all masses at Matthias Church during the Christmas and New Year holiday season are conducted in Hungarian (HU). For English-language Christmas services, we kindly recommend visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, where English masses will be held throughout the festive season.
Budapest Christmas Experience at Matthias Church
Discover the festive spirit of Budapest this Christmas with a magical visit to Matthias Church in the Buda Castle. Experience centuries of history, serene religious celebrations, and a charming Christmas craft fair in a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage setting.
Matthias Church – The Heart of Buda Castle at Christmas
Matthias Church, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, is an enchanting place to visit during the Christmas season. Situated within the Buda Castle District, it overlooks the shimmering Danube and the illuminated cityscape.
Updates based on the official Matthias Church website on 4th March, 2026
